To Joel, this was no big deal. I mentioned cleaning the stuff out of the bed and he looked at me like I was insane. It wasn't going to hurt it, he insisted, and it would be fine to just leave it alone.

Now to ME, it's a whole different story. I had been dreaming of planting a garden for two years. We never got to it last summer, and with this - our first attempt - I could hardly contain my excitement. I was so proud of that garden. It looked beautiful with the plants really taking hold and looking hearty and healthy. It seemed to me that they had doubled in size almost overnight, and they stood tall and proud... a tribute to my dream and our hard work.

So what was the difference between Joel's attitude and mine? Emotional investment. Joel doesn't much care about the aesthetics of the bed, but I love that little piece of earth so much that I want it to be more than functional... I want it to be painstakingly tended to and cared for. He's glad to have the task of putting the garden in completed, but I look at it as the beginning of a beautiful adventure.

That's also the difference between M&M and other agencies. We don't see our clients in terms of policy numbers and premiums. We see people. People who have worked hard for what they have, and who deserve to receive the best care we can give. People worthy of an advocate who will not just issue a policy and walk away, but one who will continually keep watch, actively looking out for their interests all year long. We don't see new business as a done deal, but as the beginning of a beautiful relationship. And we know that all the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of yesterday.

Have a great month! We hope you'll bloom where you're planted, and that all you put your hand to will produce a rich harvest.